Let’s do a music video analysis of APT. by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars. It is quite simply a whole vibe. It’s not here to tell a deep, complex story—it’s here to be fun, loud, and impossible to ignore. Directed by Daniel Ramos and Bruno Mars, the video is pure energy, packed with bold lighting, quirky visuals, and a throwback aesthetic that somehow feels both nostalgic and completely fresh.
And if you’re watching it thinking, Didn’t I see Bruno Mars do something like this before?, you’re onto something. This video shares a ton of stylistic DNA with Die With A Smile—the same love for neon-soaked lighting, vintage textures, and a no-frills, performance-first approach.
Now, let’s break it all down—cinematography, lighting, color, and those little details that make this video such a blast to watch. We might even find the meaning of APT.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Directors | Daniel Ramos and Bruno Mars |
| Release Date | October 18, 2024 |
| Running Time | ~3 minutes |
| Themes | Flirtation, Playfulness, Cultural Identity, Celebration |
| Visual Style | Studio-shot with pink lighting, high contrast, and retro elements |
| Cultural Elements | References to the Korean drinking game “Apateu” & 90s music aesthetics |
| Aspect Ratio Shifts | Mix of round wide-angle shots (2000s hip-hop style) & 1990s MTV square framing |
| Color Contrast | Bold pink dominance, silhouetted performers, and neon highlights |
| Musical References | ROSÉ and Bruno Mars play Fender Jag-Stangs, famously used by Kurt Cobain |
The Story Behind APT. – A Drinking Game Gone Viral
Some songs are meticulously crafted over months of rewrites. Others? They start as a drinking game.
According to ROSÉ, APT. happened completely by accident. One night in the studio, she introduced everyone to Apateu, a Korean drinking game where players stack their hands, count numbers, and whoever lands on top takes the first drink. Simple. Addictive. And, as it turns out, great inspiration for a song.
Bruno Mars and the producers? Instantly obsessed.
But then, panic set in. ROSÉ had a moment of Wait, did I really just write an entire song about a drinking game? and made everyone delete the track from their phones. A few weeks later, she realized she had made a mistake—people couldn’t stop talking about it. And just like that, APT. was back.
That chaotic, carefree energy? It’s exactly what the music video captures. No deep plot, no unnecessary drama—just a neon-drenched, high-energy performance that feels like the best night out, bottled up into three minutes of screen time.
And if you’re into how Korean filmmaking is influencing global music videos, check out Linkin Park – Over Each Other Music Video Analysis, where we dive into the crossover between K-pop aesthetics and Western storytelling.
Alright, on to the APT music video analysis and meaning.
Cinematography – A Mashup of Eras
| Music Video | Similar Techniques to APT. |
|---|---|
| Lunch – Billie Eilish | Fisheye lens, raw color grading |
| Die With A Smile – Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga | Neon lighting, high-contrast colors (full analysis here) |
| NewJeans – Super Shy | 90s-inspired, minimal set design |
What makes APT. visually stand out is its blend of old-school techniques with modern execution:
- Round Wide-Angle Shots: The fisheye lens distorts perspectives, giving everything a slightly offbeat, exaggerated look—a throwback to early 2000s hip-hop videos.
- 90s MTV Vibes: The aspect ratio shifts from widescreen to grainy square framing, mimicking low-fi 90s music videos and creating that handheld camcorder feel.
- Hand-Drawn Graphics: Throughout the video, we get comic-book-style doodles and text overlays, reinforcing the fun, DIY aesthetic.
- Silhouettes Against Pink Light: The boldest visual move is the black silhouettes on pink backgrounds, an unmistakable nod to Apple’s iconic iPod ads (The Verge explains how these ads reshaped music marketing).
Symbolism – Punk, Grunge, and a Little Rebellion
This video isn’t deeply symbolic, but it does make some deliberate choices that add texture and meaning:
- Studio as a Play Space: Instead of making a fake house setting, the video turns a studio into a party zone, where lighting and movement create the vibe.
- Korean Drinking Game Influence: The choreography mirrors the hand-stacking motion of the drinking game, making the whole thing feel interactive (Joysauce dives into this deeper).
- Punk & Grunge Fashion: The black leather, flannel, and layered outfits scream 1990s grunge and punk rock, bringing a little rebellious edge to an otherwise lighthearted video (GQ explains how Kurt Cobain’s fashion shaped this look).
- Fender Jag-Stangs – A Kurt Cobain Classic: Both ROSÉ and Bruno Mars play Fender Jag-Stangs, a guitar famously designed by Kurt Cobain (Fender has the full story). This is a subtle but clear nod to grunge culture, which gives the video a little extra credibility with rock fans.
My Favorite Shot
Hands down, my favorite shot in APT. is the one where Bruno Mars and ROSÉ are both playing the Fender Jag-Stang. Yeah, it’s a little on the nose—a clear nod to Nirvana and Kurt Cobain—but honestly? I love it. It’s the kind of nostalgic callback that doesn’t feel forced or overdone.
The best part? It’s gone in a flash. They don’t linger on it, they don’t shove it in your face—it’s just there, like a perfectly placed dash of seasoning that makes the whole video a little more delicious.
Final Thoughts – A Celebration of Unseriousness
At a time when music videos are either massive CGI spectacles or mini-movies, APT. proves that sometimes, less is more.
It’s fun without trying too hard, cool without forcing it, and full of personality without over-explaining itself.
Maybe that’s why it works—because it doesn’t take itself seriously, and neither should we!
For more music video deep dives, check out our Learn Filmmaking section. And if you want more neon-drenched, Bruno Mars-directed goodness, read Die With A Smile next.
